Brett

Keep your DNA Off The Grid: Pentagon Warns Military, Home DNA Kits Present operational risks

Keep your DNA Off The Grid: Pentagon Warns Military, Home DNA Kits Present operational risks

This Christmas, millions of people around the world will receive home DNA kits from companies like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA. Millions have already submitted samples of their saliva for testing, in hopes of learning […]

This Article Keep your DNA Off The Grid: Pentagon Warns Military, Home DNA Kits Present operational risks is an original article from OFFGRID Survival If it is appearing on any other site but OFFGRID Survival, that site does not have our permission to use our copyrighted content!

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Plug weld or something else?

Hello All,

My first post!

I’m working on an insert for a PVC setup – yep, PVC as in the plastic tubing for water and such.

The PVC will be the sleeve over the aluminum parts shown here. Everything I’m asking about is aluminum.

I have an intersection, a ‘T’ that I have to build.

Here’s the drawing (as it relates to this question):
Name:  Disc welds - for welding forum.jpg
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Size:  33.1 KB

The bottom has to be snug to the Disc, so I can’t spot weld under the disc to the Tubing.

I was wondering if a Plug weld would be the right idea?

The Disc would have 4 3/8" holes drilled and the weld would be down from the Disc to the Base Post.

Does that sound right – a Plug weld?

Thanks,
Patrick

Attached Images
 

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Gear Review – Osprey Talon 11 Pack

I recently went on a day hike in the desert and brought my Camelbak M.U.L.E. I’ve had this pack for at least ten years, maybe more. It’s been a good companion, holding 100 oz in the bladder and a few other items. Before my hike I had wanted to pack a rain jacket but didn’t have the room. Climbing over rocks later on, I got hot but didn’t have the space to stow my fleece. Then it rained on me. It was evident I needed something with more storage space that was still light. I wanted something that was good quality but not covered in MOLLE webbing. I love bags, so any excuse to get a new one is good enough for me!

By J. Bridger, contributing author to SHTFblog and Survival Cache

Enter the Osprey Talon 11. If you’re looking for a day hike pack, an everyday carry bag, or an innocuous pack for a grab-and-go bag, this is a good contender. It’s lightweight, comes in two sizes, has enough capacity to carry your essentials, and has a great suspension system. It will carry whatever you put in it comfortably. It has good back ventilation, a sternum strap, and a hip belt. Let’s take a closer look!

I mentioned the Osprey Talon 11 comes in two sizes: you have Small/Medium and Medium/Large. Confused? Me too. Moving on. It comes in several colors: Black, red, bright green, blue, and yerba green. I chose yerba green, which is similar to a dark olive drab. An added bonus is Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee. I appreciate good customer service, and steer clear of companies that don’t share that sentiment. If your pack needs repaired, they’ll fix it, doesn’t matter how or when. Simple!

 Capacity

The S/M has 9 liters of storage and the M/L has 11 liters. It’s on the small side for a day pack. If it were any smaller, I’d want a bigger one. The Osprey Talon 11 has one main pocket, and a separate pouch for a water bladder (sold separately). It can accommodate a 3-liter bladder (though keep in mind this will limit how much you can fit in the main pocket). My 3L Hydrapak takes up a substantial part of the pack’s capacity. That’s okay, I bought this pack mainly to carry water. I can cram 3 full size bath towels into it, if that gives you any idea of its capacity. It can hold my day hike loadout with a little room to spare: 3L Hydrapak, down jacket, rain jacket, beanie, headlamp, Spyderco PM2, bic lighter, water tablets, Chapstick, handkerchief, compass and map, and 6” Emergency Trauma Dressing.

Features

The Osprey Talon 11 pack is loaded with features, almost too many. I don’t like having loops hanging off the pack to snag. Luckily, I was able to remove some of them without damaging the pack. I can reattach them later if I decide I want to; I really appreciated this feature. Inside the main pocket is a mesh pocket with a clip for your keys. I can nearly fit my spread-out hand inside; it’s a good size. On the front flap, there is a top pocket that is a little larger than the inside pocket. If your pack is stuffed full, these will really only accommodate flat items. On either side of the pack are two elastic pouches. These are too small for a 1L Nalgene but will hold one of the smaller, thin walled 17-ounce water bottles perfectly. There is a cinch strap on each side that you can place over the side pouch or tuck inside.

The hydration compartment has a buckle to hang your bladder. You can get into this pouch without opening the main compartment. A small handle is sewn on top of the Osprey Talon 11. On the front of the bag is a neat device you can use to attach a helmet. This would be great for biking, kayaking, or outdoor climbing. I was able to untie this and remove it without permanently damaging anything. There is a generous amount of shock cord underneath, which I like. It’s a great place to hang wet socks to dry. The compartment buckles at the top, allowing you to stuff something larger inside, like a shirt. Below this are two slots for a bike light.

The sternum strap has a built-in whistle that works surprisingly well. This is a great addition that shows how much thought was put into the Talon. If you’re lost, you can blow the whistle instead of yelling (it’s louder and saves energy). The hip belt is one of my favorite features of this pack; they are made of breathable material and have a generously sized pocket on each side. They can be a little difficult to get into when you’re wearing the pack, but it’s far from impossible to access. These hip belt pockets are perfect for holding a compass, Chapstick, and Cliff bar. The hip belt is easy to tighten and loosen; Osprey really did an awesome job here.

The shoulder straps are comfortable and have lots of adjustment. There are two usable elastic loops on each strap, perfect for hydration tube routing. On the left strap, there is a long skinny elastic pouch sized just right for a pocket knife or a Surefire G2 Nitrolon-sized flashlight. It’s too narrow for a cell phone, and I wouldn’t want to cram my Wiley-X’s in there. Also, on the left shoulder strap of the Osprey Talon 11 pack is a short piece of shock cord to secure your hiking poles, with the help of a loop hanging off the bottom left side of the pack. I won’t use this feature, so I easily removed both to keep things simple. Lastly, on the right side of the pack is an ice axe attachment. I also won’t be needing this, so I tucked the loop up under the front flap and removed the shock cord. 

 Osprey Talon 11 Uses

This bag is well thought out and could easily fill many different roles. I intend to use it as a day hike pack, but it could also be used as a range bag, everyday carry bag, laptop bag, canyoneering or small climbing bag (It holds a 45-meter static line, harness, and has a helmet attachment point), or a go bag. It’s also small enough to be a carry-on personal item for a weekend flight. The Osprey Talon 11 is lightweight, well built, and has an awesome warranty. You really can’t go wrong with this one!

 

Specs:

Weight: 1lb 6oz (22 oz)

Capacity: Medium/Large = 11 Liters. Small/Medium = 9 liters.

Features: hip belt, sternum strap, helmet attachment, hiking pole attachment, ice axe attachment, hydration compartment.

Cost: $100

 Pros:

Hip belt and pockets

Ventilated back

Lightweight

Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee

Packed with features

 Cons:

Doesn’t come with a bladder

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Coast Guard locates vessel with 49 people after passenger calls 911 reporting operator lost in heavy fog off Navy Pier.

What was anyone not thinking?  In fog with no navigation system or marine radio. CHICAGO  —  The Coast Guard located a motor vessel with 49 people aboard after one of the passengers called 911 stating she was concerned that the operator … Continue reading

Coast Guard locates vessel with 49 people after passenger calls 911 reporting operator lost in heavy fog off Navy Pier. Read More »

Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy

Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy

Security overload leads to apathy. How often do you hear a car alarm go off and roll your eyes hoping the owner would disable the blasted thing before the incoming headache comes a knocking? The primary objection I have to such systems is they work too well. Every week I hear an alarm being triggered […]

This is just the start of the post Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy. Continue reading and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!


Security Information Overload: From Panic to Apathy & the Remedy, written by Thomas Xavier, was created exclusively for readers of the survival blog More Than Just Surviving.

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Virginia: Let’s get down to the heart of the Issue.

As we sit here on Christmas Eve, we can reflect on the overwhelming groundswell response across Virginia, to the threats of tyranny from Richmond. The MSM is carefully not mentioning any of it. Yet the vast majority of counties and towns have declared themselves as either 2A Sanctuaries, or Constitutional Counties. This has resulted in more rhetoric from Richmond, including threats of violence against the citizens of Virginia.

None of this is complicated. You do not need to be an attorney to understand the Constitution. In regards to the 2A, it says right there:

“The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed…..”

This is really a struggle about rights, although focused at this time on the Second Amendment. It is about the rights of the citizens in opposition to the increasing tyranny of the leftists. However, the mindset of those tyrants in Richmond is fascinating: They do not appear to see the predicament they have put themselves in. They are doubling down. You see, they believe their own propaganda. It is clear to any sensible citizen that they are preparing to enact a huge tyranny across Virginia. But the left does not see it that way; they twist the meaning of ‘Constitutional’ and believe that they can pass ‘laws’ that are in fact repugnant to the Constitution, and have them validated by black-robed leftists in a corrupt court system. There have already been statements that any law enforcement officer, not enforcing these proposed new laws, will be fired. Even threats of raising the National Guard for employment in violence against the Citizens of the State. I won’t bore with a full summary, most of you know what is going on.

However, the real reason I decided to sit down and write this article was something I am tracking in comments across the board. It is fear. What do I mean by that? Essentially, it is your normalcy bias not registering the seriousness of our situation. This forces you to act in what you see as a ‘rational’ way, but that in fact is an advantage to the leftists in Richmond.

You see, you are in fear of ‘the authorities.’ You are in fear of saying something that may get you in trouble. You don’t want to cause a fuss. You are a ‘law abiding citizen.’ The usual response to these sort of gun ‘laws’ coming down the pike, as seen in other States, is for people to scuttle and run, and look to ways they can ‘sort of’ get around the ‘laws.’ But God Bless Virginia! Things have gone differently here, and we have a chance. We have a chance to push back on this tyranny, and maybe even create a wave going back into other lost States where they may be able to stand and reclaim their Liberty. Because make no mistake, the leftists are playing for keeps, and if We (The People) lose this now, we will lose it forever, for our kids and grand kids, forever.

The whole Virginia thing has been great so far. However, it may seem to you to be a political / Facebook struggle right now. Making some noise to hope to avoid the promised plans from the Democrat majority in the 2020 session. Posting a meme is fairly low effort, low risk. But make no mistake, this is EXACTLY the kind of tyranny that the 2A is there to prevent. Do not sit in denial. Thus, it is possible that on July 1st 2020, you may become a felon, for standing by your natural and enumerated right to self-defense. It is your duty as a free citizen to NOT ALLOW THE 2A TO BE INFRINGED.

We mostly don’t want to think about it, but there may come a time, and it may be soon, where we face an armed struggle for our rights. If this happens, it will be absolutely because Richmond tried to enact tyranny and force it down our throats. Don’t be duped by the way they talk about ‘laws’ and having them obeyed. Any Virginia Citizen knows their Constitution, and knows what is right and what is wrong. Be absolutely clear in your mind that if this comes to violence, it will be the fault of Richmond. This is why I am writing this article – because I don’t think many of you are there yet. You need to get your mindset right. You need to have your kit packed and ready to go, in case Richmond sends armed men against us.

We are not here making threats. Chest beating is pointless. I’m not one for spurious rhetoric. We are standing by as free citizens, and you need to get your head in the game in terms of what it may mean depending on what comes down the pike from Richmond. To me, there is no course of action other than to ensure that YOUR RIGHTS are not infringed. As such, you will very likely need to be prepared to ACT in SELF-DEFENSE should Richmond send armed men against you. That this may happen is totally un-American, and seems almost impossible in our times of peace and prosperity. But it appears we are there, on the very cusp of that tyranny. If we do not stand, then we lose it for all that come after us. It is a civic duty as free American citizens.

Reminder: If a right is not defended, then it is not a right, and is lost.

Here in Culpeper, we are doing all that we can to avoid such a situation. Through the Culpeper County 2A movement (and Facebook page) we succeeded in having Culpeper voted as a Constitutional County by the Board of Supervisors. We are working on the Culpeper Town Council. We are working on campaigns and rallies, because becoming a Sanctuary is just the beginning.

I have created, as a subsection of Culpeper County 2A, a Facebook Group called Culpeper Volunteers. No, it isn’t a militia, but a pro-bono community outreach of Max Velocity Tactical, where will put on some free training. Nothing we are planning involves violence, or terrorism, or civil disorder of any kind: we simply want to lawfully improve the readiness of County residents to protect their family and community should the need arise. As part of this, I am creating specific threads on the MVT Forum, posted to the Culpeper Volunteers group, in order to address specific issues such as equipping the Patriot etc.

But despite all this, what happens if you, as a law abiding citizen, become a felon in 2020? Because it seems these leftists in Richmond are hell bent on passing these laws, they have the majority, and they think they are in the right. I would not even be surprised, if due to the possible attendance at Lobby Day on January 20th 2020, that something (false flag?) happens to create a situation. It may even go hot. What happens then? That does not give us the six months to campaign that we currently think we have. What if, at some point, a state of Insurrection is declared in Virginia?

It may even be that once the laws are enacted, nothing specifically happens. However, as I stated above, what you need to do is not scuttle and hide. You need to stand up as a responsible Citizen. What could this mean? Perhaps business as usual with going to the range, wherever that is, even in your backyard? Do not acknowledge that any ‘laws’ have even been enacted. Carry on as normal. Particularly if your County has already declared itself a Sanctuary. It may be the case that raids are conducted by armed men in the employ of the State in order to create an example – I would suggest the creation of mutual support groups in your area, in order to make that impossible.

I personally am sick and tired of the laws in this Country being corrupted in the name of tyranny, so we now have a situation where even writing what I have written today is something that will be avoided, for fear of consequences. I would like to see some Federal support for Virginia from the Trump Presidency, perhaps even stopping Governor Northam’s proposed raising of the National Guard to enforce his tyranny. But this is where we have the essential issue – we have a Deep State and elites who are forcing this upon us, and a corrupted government security apparatus. Anyone working for the sort of Agency that will read this, should have sworn an oath to the Constitution. To act against normal American citizens who are only standing for their Constitutional rights is criminal. This has got to stop. There are many things that standing up to this tyranny from Richmond may achieve – and throwing off the yoke of Tyranny is perhaps the most noble. This may be our one and only chance. Put the middle finger up to Richmond!

I advise you to work on your preparations. Physical fitness, equipment, and training. You have to understand that what is happening in Virginia is not the normal way of things. It has not gone this way in other States; normally, the tyranny is simply enacted. In Virginia, the people are reacting and saying NO. This is unique. However, in that unique way, it may lead to places not normally contemplated in our affluent and lazy society. When the Regulars marched to Lexington, they were faced by people who were certainly terrified of the consequences of defying the tyranny of the Crown. And recall, at that time they DID NOT EVEN HAVE the Constitution and the Bill of Rights to hang their hats on; simply an idea of Liberty that must be defended. Whoever fired that shot, it was certainly heard around the world. In our case, we must not fire any shots first, but we must be prepared to act in self-defense should the State act in tyranny and send armed men against us.

1859. Tick-Tock.

Virginia: Let’s get down to the heart of the Issue. Read More »